EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

MT JAGGED, SOUTHERN FLEURIEU

For children, teens and adults

For workplace and team buildling
 



 

AREN'T HORSES THE GREATEST?

They don't judge.  They listen.

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Their loyalty and kindness help us to feel less anxious and comforted.​ Somehow, those nerves we feel when we talk with other people just seem to fade when there is a miniature shetland pony or giant part Clysdedale you can cuddle as well.

 

This field of therapy has gained increased recognition in recent years for the positive impact it has in supporting people living with a range of intellectual, physical and emotional challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, school and home difficulties, emotional regulation difficulties and PTSD.  

 

Horses help us to understand ourselves better. By understanding horses' emotions and behaviours, we learn more about our own. They can be like a bridge - helping us to improve our own interactions with others around us and regulating and managing our own emotions.

 

​Spending time with Alvin (our miniature Shetland), Finn (our part Clysdale), Em (our pinto mare, mother of four foals!) is much more than just having a few cuddles though. It involves specific therapeutic goals, strategies and outcomes that align to a participant’s own goals.

 

Generally, our sessions focus on goals around:

• confidence

• emotional regulation

• trust

• building self esteem

• stress/anxiety reduction 

• socialisation 

• thoughts and self talk

• facing life's challenges and

• communication skills.

 

​​Our Equine Assisted Therapy sessions usually takes place in the stable, or nearby the paddock.  The participant is supported to be physically and emotionally present, this allows for attunement and mirroring to occur between horse and human. 

 

Kylie, our qualified social worker, counsellor and equine assisted therapist will work with participants phenomenologically. This means she creates a safe and calm place to remain in the here and now, allowing experiences to unfold organically. She often combines more traditional counselling practices including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Narrative Practice with somatic exercises, walking and talking and grounding exercises such as feeling the horse's heartbeat or breath on your skin, braiding a pony's mane or brushing.